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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find competitive rental car prices at Santa Maria Airport (SMX) with Road Genius. Find rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, passenger vans and reserve with no booking fees. Compare on-airport offers from Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz in seconds or look at downtown Santa Maria pickups to dodge the 11 percent airport surcharge. Touch down, grab your keys and hit US-101 for quick drives to Pismo Beach, Solvang or the Foxen Canyon wine trail.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| SMX Airport (On-site) |
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| Santa Maria City (Enterprise) |
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On-site Rental Companies:
On average, car rentals at Santa Maria Airport cost around $59 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $42 per day.
Skip the airport fee: SMX adds about 11 % in concession charges. A quick $10–15 rideshare to a city branch can offset that on rentals longer than a day or two.
Play with pickup/return times: Switching from a 3-day to a 1-week booking or shifting pickup by a few hours can trigger cheaper rate bands—always rerun the search after tweaking.
Travel in shoulder season: Late fall through early spring (excluding the holidays) is quiet on the Central Coast, and daily prices often drop into the $40s.
Check every car class: On busy summer weekends economy cars sell out first, and midsize or full-size can actually be cheaper—scroll the whole list before you book.
Airport Parking:
City Parking:
Local Driving Rules:
Weather Considerations:
Get a car so you can drive to:
Santa Barbara – beaches, Mission Santa Barbara
Pismo Beach – pier, dunes
Solvang – shops, wineries
San Luis Obispo – downtown, farmers market
Foxen Canyon Wine Trail – vineyards
Hearst Castle – estate, art collections
What documents do I need to rent a car at SMX Airport?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you plan to use your own car insurance instead of buying it from the rental company, you should bring proof of that insurance. International visitors should also carry their passport and may need an International Driving Permit if their license isn't in English.
Is there a fee to return the car to a different location?
Yes, rental companies charge extra for one-way rentals. The amount you pay depends on the distance between locations and can be anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars for longer trips.
What's the best time to pick up a rental car to avoid lines?
The airport gets busiest when Allegiant flights arrive, which is often midday. If you come at other times, the counter is usually quiet and you won't have to wait long. The airport is small, so even when it's busy, you'll rarely wait more than 10-20 minutes.
Do I need a special vehicle to drive on Highway 1?
No, you can drive any standard car on Highway 1. The road is fully paved and in good condition. People often like convertibles for the great views, but you don't need one.
Can I pick up a rental car after my evening flight arrives?
Rental counter staff usually stay open to match flight schedules. If you have a late flight, you should call the rental company ahead of time to make sure someone will be there. Some companies can arrange for you to pick up your car after hours if you let them know.
Are there gas stations close to the airport for refueling before return?
Yes, but they might charge you more. For better prices, we suggest you get gas in the main part of Santa Maria, like at the stations along Broadway, instead of the one closest to the airport.
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